The Ferguson-Florissant School District is preparing for lift-off.

The Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis, to be located at the Brotherton Center on the site of the new high school, has received long-awaited funding through the Veteran's Affairs Bill that recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. Thanks to Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond, the bill contains $1 million that will make the Center a reality.

"This Center will offer a tremendous opportunity thanks to the devotion of the partnered Ferguson-Florissant School District, St. Louis Science Center and Cooperating School Districts," Senator Bond said at a press conference at the Brotherton Center.

In 1998, the District was selected as the host site for the Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis. Bringing a Challenger Center to the St. Louis area had been a long-time goal of former District Science Coordinator Chris Brown.

"For the past three years, many funding prospects emerged and then disappeared," Superintendent James Travis said at the press conference. "What seemed like an easy task became very difficult as the District worked through a variety of corporate funding prospects. Thanks to the assistance of Doug King at the St. Louis Science Center and Senator Kit Bond, the Challenger Center has become a reality."

Founded by the families of the Challenger Space Shuttle crew, the Challenger Learning Centers serve students in grades 5-8. Before visiting the Challenger Learning Center, students prepare for the experience in their classroom learning about science concepts, technology, space program history, geography and the value of teamwork. After completing the curriculum, students will go to the Center for a simulated space flight where they apply their knowledge and work as a team under challenging circumstances.

"Many families come to the new planetarium and get excited about science, but the Challenger Center will give more depth to children's experiences," said Carol Valenta, vice president of education and exhibits at the Science Center.

Senator Bond seized the opportunity to stimulate student interest in science through the Challenger Learning Center experience.

"The Challenger Center will encourage and enthuse children about science technology," Senator Bond said. "The Center will provide opportunities for learning and instruction, problem solving and complex decision making. We need to make sure many more young people have a lasting interest in science."

Senator Bond noted that 90 percent of all scientific knowledge has developed in the last 40 years. Having struggled with his physics class in high school, Bond acknowledged the challenge before our students with the volume of information that is now available. Almost every country in the world educates more students in science, math and engineering than the United States, he said.

"We need to ensure that our students are at least science literate if not pursuing a career in science," Senator Bond said.

The Challenger Learning Center- St. Louis will serve students regionally from both Illinois and Missouri.

"We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to bring this hands-on space science experience to our youngsters," Dr. Travis said. "Our entire community will benefit."

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